I really don't think the game is that good! But there is only one left.

BIDDING ZERO IN CAMELOT WIZARD

 BIDDING ZERO in CamelotGame

If four or fewer cards are dealt to each player:
Player bids zero and does not take any tricks, the player has made his/her bid correctly. The player scores 20 points. 

If more than four cards are dealt to each player:
Player bids zero and does not take any tricks, the player has made his/her bid correctly. The player scores 25 points. (Exception: see Last Hand below.)

Last hand of the game:
Player bids zero and does not take any tricks, the player has made his/her bid correctly. The player scores 20 points plus the number of cards dealt to each player:
If 3 players: 20 + 20 = 40 points
If 4 players: 20 + 15 = 35 points
If 5 players: 20 + 12 = 32 points
If 6 players: 20 + 10 = 30 points

 Where to Buy Wizard Camelot in ONTARIO and QUEBEC

1. "Toy Soup"
Toy Soup, 1376 King Street North, St Jacobs, ON    Tel: 519-664-0268
www.toysoup.ca

2. "IMAGINAIRE"
Several locations in Quebec     https://imaginaire.com/en/

3. F.G. Bradley's
(a) Fairview Mall. 1800 Sheppard Ave.East North York, ON    Tel. 416-494-0094
(b) 192 NorthQueen St. Etobicoke, ON    Tel 416-622-7084
(c) 419 King Street West,  Oshawa, ON   Tel. 905-404-2233[/color][/size]

First Fireworks Tournament

 

Two Rule Changes for WIZARD CAMELOT

 "Wizard Camelot" has been well-received. Nevertheless, some players feel that the simplicity of the original version has given way to complexity. Consequently, the following two changes are being made.

1. Uneven Bids
The rules state: “When more than four cards are dealt to each player, the total number of tricks bid may not equal the total number of tricks available unless the last bidder does so by biding zero.”
The ‘Excalibur’ card eliminates the need for this rule because it is dealt in most hands with 5 or more cards. For example, in the final hand in a six-player game there are only 14 tricks because of the ‘Excalibur’ card.
Ergo:  This rule is being eliminated
2. Bonus Points for Winning the ‘Holy Grail’ card.
The rules state: “However, the player who wins the trick containing the Holy Grail is awarded an extra 20 points on the condition that the player also makes his/her bid.
* To assist the scoring, the trick containing the Holy Grail should be identified by placing the Holy Grail on the top of the trick. This enables the scorekeeper to easily identify the player who is to be awarded 20 extra points if he/she also makes a correct bid.”
Ergo: This rule is being eliminated

The elimination of these two rules reduces the complexity without any loss of gameplay and strategy.
A player who plays the Holy Grail Even and makes his/her bid continues to receive the 20 bonus points.

 

Ken Fisher

T-shirt from Spanish Club

 INNING TRICKS & SAMPLE PLAY

e. by playing the Holy Grail card from an Even Player Position

e.g. 4 , A , Wizard, Holy Grail. The Wizard wins because the Holy Grail cards is played from an Even Player Position (position 4).

 

This is wrong and should read:

INNING TRICKS & SAMPLE PLAY

e. by playing the Holy Grail card from an Even Player Position

e.g. 4 , A , Wizard, Holy Grail. The Holy Grail wins because it is played from an Even Player Position (position 4).

AIDS for "Wizard Camelot"

Because the function of the 4 new Special Cards cannot be read when playing the online version the following information is printed in the lower-left corner of the screen.
 Merlin: wizard or jester;   Excalibur: Nullifies trick;    Grail: wins if Even, loses if Odd;   Morgan: only loses to Grail played Even.
When the Merlin card is played either as a Jester or as a Wizard the Wizard or Jester card is displayed with a large "M" on it. This is to inform the other players that the Merlin card has been played.

ALERT! WARNING! HEADS UP!

"Wizard Camelot" was designed for live play, not online play. When playing live it will take some time to get used to all the new strageties that are afforded by the new cards. (Play of "Wizard Camelot" will separate the "best players" from the "very best players".)
Online players will find Wizard Camelot frustrating because: 1. It is hard to see what the 4 new cards are because the indices markers in the top left corner are not very clear when lined up on the screen. (Unlike when you hold the cards in your hand.) 2. It is difficult to remember what the 4 new special cards do, especially when they do not always do the same thing, and there is a time limit for you to decide. In live play the powers of the 4 new cards are written on the card itself and there is no time limit on deciding what to do.

Wizard Tournament In Barcelona, Spain.

This Saturday we played our club’s Summer Tournament. We did it, as usual, in a Catalan manor house, Can Llobet, in Santa Maria del Camí (Barcelona). We involved 13 club members and were playing Wizard for 10 hours (not counting breaks). We only stopped for lunch and dinner. The winner was Núria (nuriarome on wizardcards). I came in second. We love Wizard. Thank you! Carles
* I cannot get the pictures to upload...Sorry..Ken Fisher

Question posed by a Player (Wizard Camelot)

There are four cards played in a trick, in this order: Excalibur, Merlin, Jester, Jester.
If a person LEADS Excalibur in a trick, nullifying the trick, who leads the next card?
Answer:
Trick Number 5 (perhaps).
Player A leads Excalibur which nullifies the trick.
Player B plays Merlin as a Jester.
Player C plays a Jester.
Player D plays a Jester.
Who wins the trick?
Answer. Player B as he played the first Jester.
Ergo player B leads for trick number 6.

OR

Trick Number 5 (perhaps).
Player A leads Excalibur which nullifies the trick.
Player B plays Merlin as Wizard.
Player C plays a Jester.
Player D plays a Jester.
Who wins the trick?
Answer.
Player B as he played the Wizard.
Ergo player B leads for trick number 6.

Another example

Trick Number 5 (perhaps)
Player A leads EXCALIBUR which nullifies the trick.
Player B Plays Morgan le Fay (perhaps he does this because he has already made is bid and needs to get rid of the winning card. He knows that although he wins the trick that it will not count as the trick has been nullified.
Player C plays the 2 clubs.
Player D plays the 10 of Spades.

Trick Number 6
Player B won the previous trick (although it does not count on the scorepad)
Ergo, player B leads trick number 7

"Wizard Camelot" Rationale

 The rationale for “Wizard Camelot”

Why is a new version needed?
The initiative originated with “U.S. Games Systems”. The market place will determine whether or not players welcome the introduction of a more nuanced version.

Why the “Camelot” Theme?
The 4 Wizard cards and 4 Jester cards added to the regular deck complemented the Jack, Queen, King cards. They all represent characters found in a royal court setting. The Camelot setting continues the concept of ‘court cards’.

Why are the deuces eliminated?
Ans. To keep the deck at 60 cards. This is cost-effective and also keeps the final hand as a No-Trump hand as all of the cards are dealt out.

Why does the “No Even Bids” feature not begin until hand number 5?
Ans. To avoid players being forced to make impossible and/or illogical bids.
e.g.  Player “A” bids zero. Player “B” bids zero. Player “C” holding a Wizard cannot bid ‘1’.

Why can a player continue to bid zero to make it an “Even Bid” even after hand number 4?
Ans. Again, it is to avoid a player being forced to make an illogical bid.
e.g. In a 6-player game, in hand number 5 the first 5 players have bid a total of 5 tricks with Clubs as the trump suit. Player 6 holds; Jester, 4 and 5 of Hearts, 7 of Spades and 3 of Diamonds. The only logical bid is Zero and that bid must be allowed even though it makes it an even bid.

Rationale for the 4 New Cards
Merlin (Magician) This card simply adds a further element of strategy. It can be played either as a Jester or as a Wizard.
Excalibur (Sword) This card also provides further opportunities for strategy. It can be used either to defend a position or to attack an opponent.
Morgan le Fay (Enchantress) This card makes the 4 Wizard cards vulnerable. It becomes the most powerful card in the game. Yet, it too is vulnerable.
Holy Grail (Chalice) The holder of this card must play it with care as its power is dependent on when it is played.
Bottom Line:  All 4 cards afford opportunities for strategic play.

Why are the 4 new special cards needed?
Ans. They are not needed if you enjoy the challenge of the regular game. However, many players have mastered the niceties of the regular name. The new cards provide a higher level of strategy and skill which will provide a challenge to even the best players. Each of the four Wizard cards are a guaranteed trick in the regular game. In “Wizard Camelot” there are no ‘sure tricks’ as even the most powerful card can fail to win a trick.

Will “Wizard Camelot” be available as another option for online play and tournaments?
Ans. Programming is expensive, especially on a website that generates no income.
Cost is an important factor but the determining factor will be the popularity of “Wizard Camelot”.
Significant retail sales combined with a positive online reception would result in an online version.

Rare but Possible Hands in "Camelot Wizard"

 Strange combinations can appear in the world of "Wizard Camelot" 

The rules state:
If only Jesters are played in a round, (including when Merlin is played as a Jester) the first jester played wins the trick.

Example: In a 6-player game, the cards are played as follows on the last trick of hand that is one underbid.
All players have made their bids and nobody wants this last trick. The cards are played as follows.

A. Holy Gail  B. Merlin (As Jester)  C. Jester  D. Morgan Le Fay  E. Excalibur   F. Jester
Who wins the trick?

A. Holy Grail is played in an odd position so it is a loser.
B. Merlin is played as a Jester so is an expected loser.
C. Jester is played as an expected loser.
D. Morgan Le Fay loses because the Holy Grail is played in the same trick.
E. Excalibur nullifies the trick.
F. Jester is again expected to lose.

So who wins the trick?
Answer. B wins the trick.
Why? The Merlin card was played as a Jester. The first Jester played wins the trick.

* However, because the Excalibur card nullifies the trick, every player makes his/her bid.
* Because "B" made his bid (the last trick won does not count) and he also took the "Holy Grail" card he is awarded an extra 20 points on the scorecard

Note. Regarding the rule: "If only Jesters are played in a round, (including when Merlin is played as a Jester) the first jester played wins the trick."
Although it is not stated in the "Rules Pamphlet" the rule implies that "other special cards" that do not impact the winner of the trick are to be ignored.

* Other special cards" include: Holy Grail in odd position, Excalibur, Morgan Le Fay when  Holy Grail is also played.

 Orders originating from the USA can purchase online at  US GAMES   https://www.usgamesinc.com/wizard-card-game-camelot-edition.html

When you go to the above site there is a notice beneath the picture of the Wizard Camelot box that says, "Booklet". Click on it and you will get the complete set of rules for the game

GO to the above website to order WIZARD CAMELOT Edition from USA addresses.

EXCALIBUR

HOLY GRAIL

MERLIN

MORGAN LE FAY

Wizard Camelot Box (Back)

 The printing on the back of the box reads:

Wizard Card Game Camelot Edition
introduces new strategic dimensions that make
gameplay more challenging for experts who have already
mastered the Ultimate Game of Trump. In classic Wizard, Jesters
and Wizards bring predictable advantages in both bidding and
playing. With Camelot's extra cards: Holy Grail, Excalibur, Merlin
and Morgan le fay, outcomes are less certain. The four new cards
add complexity and must be wisely played. More strategy means
extra excitement and fun!

Wizard Camelot Box (front)

 

NOTE: Each of the four new cards has instructions imprinted on the card indicating function.

EXCALBUR: Nullifies the trick

HOLY GRAIL: Holy Grail Wins Trick if played even, loses if played odd.

MERLIN: Can be laid as a Wizard or Jester.

MORGAN LE FAY: Can only lose when the Holy Grail is played even.

 WIZARD CAMELOT

The exciting new "Wizard Camelot" version is scheduled to be released on May 1, 2021.
The 4 new cards that replace the set of deuces are: Merlin, Excalibur, Grail, and Morgan le Fay.

Bidding Rule: When more than four cards are dealt to each player, the total number of tricks bid may not equal the total number of tricks available unless the last bidder does so by bidding zero.

Bidding Zero If more than 4 cards are dealt to each player a correct bid of zero scores 25 points.
Bidding Zero on the last hand A correct  bid of zero scores as follows: 
If 3 players: 20 + 20 = 40 points
If 4 players: 20 + 15 = 35 points
If 5 players: 20 + 12 = 32 points
If 6 players: 20 + 10 = 30 points

Merlin Can be played as either a Wizard or as a Jester. (Declared when played)

Excalibur Always loses. Nullifies the trick (not counted as a trick won).

Holy Grail  If played from an Even Position (2nd, 4th, or 6th) it wins the trick.
If played from an Odd Position (1st, 3rd, or 5th position) it is a null card and ALWAYS loses the trick.
* The player who wins the trick containing the Holy Grail is awarded an extra 20 points on the condition that the player also makes his/her bid.

Morgan le Fay  The most powerful card that typically wins the trick. Exception: 'Morgan le Fay' loses when the 'Holy Grail' card is played from an Even Player’s Position.

Comments: (a) Unlike regular Wizard, players cannot count on a 'Wizard' card as a sure trick. Even "Morgan le Fay", the most powerful card, is vulnerable to the 'Holy Grail' card. (b) A come-from-behind victory is enhanced by the extra points for a zero bid on the last hand in a game. (c) A player must take care when playing the "Holy Grail" lest he/she be forced to play it from an unfavorable position. (d) Even bids are allowed for hands 1-4 so that players are never forced to make an impossible bid. (e) To be in step with the times the most powerful card is a woman. (f) The quest for the "Grail" is open to all players who can receive an extra 20 points if the card is won in a correctly bid hand.(g) Both bidding and play require more skill and strategy than in regular 'Wizard'.

The die is cast for the retail game. Public reception will determine if 'Wizard Camelot' is to be programmed for online play. Based on the reaction to the retail game adjustments could be made for the online version.